- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a broad group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, representing one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. These conditions involve structural or functional problems in the cardiovascular system, impairing its ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body efficiently. The most common forms include coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, congenital heart defects, and rheumatic heart disease. While some cardiovascular diseases are congenital (present at birth), the majority are acquired over time due to lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.
- At the core of many cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis, a process in which fatty deposits, cholesterol, and inflammatory cells accumulate in the walls of arteries, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to vital organs. If a plaque ruptures, it may lead to the formation of a blood clot, potentially causing a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or ischemic stroke. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is another major contributor, as the persistent force of blood against arterial walls damages vessels and increases the risk of heart failure, kidney disease, and vascular complications.
- Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are well established and often divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, family history, and genetic predisposition. Modifiable risk factors, on the other hand, are linked to lifestyle and environment—such as smoking, poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, high cholesterol, and uncontrolled diabetes. Chronic stress and social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status and access to healthcare, also play critical roles in cardiovascular health outcomes.
- The symptoms of cardiovascular diseases vary depending on the specific condition but often include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. In some cases, particularly in the early stages, CVDs can be silent, progressing unnoticed until a severe event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. Because of this, preventive screening and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose are essential in at-risk populations.
- Management of cardiovascular diseases combines preventive, medical, and sometimes surgical approaches. Lifestyle modification remains the foundation of prevention and treatment, emphasizing a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and stress reduction. Pharmacological interventions may include antihypertensives, statins, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and other medications tailored to the condition. In advanced cases, interventional or surgical procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, bypass surgery, or valve repair may be required. For heart failure, devices like pacemakers and implantable defibrillators can support cardiac function.
- Globally, the burden of cardiovascular diseases is immense, accounting for millions of deaths annually. However, many of these deaths are preventable through early detection, effective management of risk factors, and improvements in healthcare systems. Public health strategies, including campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing tobacco and alcohol use, and improving access to screening and treatment, are critical in reducing the impact of CVDs worldwide.
